Workplace Report February 2009

Equality news

Employers for Carers

A NEW government-backed business group aims to give advice to employers on supporting the UK’s three million working carers. Employers for Carers (EFC), whose members include PricewaterhouseCoopers, BT and the University of Leeds, was launched last month by minister for disabled people, Jonathan Shaw.

UK employers are being urged to sign up to EFC “to access expert guidance and legal advice on setting up carer-friendly employment policies, including flexible working practices.”

EFC chair and BT director of people and policy, Caroline Waters, said that by joining: “businesses can be part of an employment agenda which not only supports working carers but improves the productivity and skill retention of our workforce.”

The organisation’s website at www.employersforcarers.org will offer practical guides and case studies, and provide consultancy and training services as well as the latest information on legal changes and employment policy.